"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."
(Henry Ford)

"Leadership, like swimming, cannot be learned by reading about it."
(Henry Mintzberg)

There is consensus across the generations that for democracy to renew itself
there must be a commitment on the part of each new generation. New leaders must
arise to become "change agents" who will "walk the talk" of the American dream.
Young people have stepped forward in the past and they must continue to do so
for the reasons voiced above.

ACTIVITY:

This lesson will introduce you to information about what offices are available
for your future candidacy and what procedures are involved for filing for public
office. The answers to the questions may be found in the Vermont Constitution
at http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/const2.htm
or at the Secretary of State's Elections website at http://vermont-elections.org/.
This activity will also acquaint you with the opportunities, requirements and
timelines of seeking elected office so they you not only consider it but also
plan for the possibility of becoming an elected official.

This exercise will help you realize that they have a whole range of elected
positions from which to choose. You will find that all offices require U.S.
citizenship and that you must be at least 18 years old. You will discover that
some offices have unique requirements.

You will need access to the Internet.

Questions:

1.

Name at least three statewide offices that you coud run for
upon turning 18 years of age.

2.

How often do State Representatives stand for election? State
Senators?

3.

Can you run for two offices at once?

4.

What are the two common requirements to seek the office of
State Representative or State Senator?

5.

Can you run for office to be elected as a Justice of the Supreme
Court ?

6.

Besides state offices, what other categories of elected office
at a more local level would be an option for you when you decide to seek
public office?

7.

If you want to run for State Reprtesentative, where may you
obtain the necessary petition form?

8.

If you want to be nominated by a major party, what must you
do?

9.

What is the beginning date for filing your petition for office?

10.

Where do you file your petition to run for state offices?

11.

Must you pay money to file a peition to run for office?

12.

To run for State Representative, how many signatures must you
get on your petition?